We'd be lying if we didn't say we have become suddenly obsessed with fidget toys. These small toys you can twiddle and fiddle with have exploded onto the scene and they're here to stay.
Being the recent toy obsession for kids (and us adults), there's a fidget toy for everyone. They come in loads of shapes, sizes and types so there are lots to choose from. You might have a classic Rubik's cube to play with, a multi-coloured fidget spinner or even a pack of pop-its to pop in and out. Take your pick.
So with over five million fidget toys being sold in the last four years, it's no surprise that What's The Best have also been hooked on the trend. Even better, we've found the best fidget toys on the market right now.
What are fidget toys?
Fidget toys originally jumped onto the scene with fidget spinners in 2017 (although the concept had been around since the 1990s!) for children who deal with anxiety, ADHD, autism and other learning difficulties.
Since then, fidget toys have become a must-have for kids, teens and adults all around the world. From using them in schools to help focus, in everyday life to calm stress and even for adults whilst working at home and in the office.
They're usually small toys that can be held in your hands and have sensory tools - whether that's through touch, sound, feeling or sight. That's why you'll find many of these toys have popping, spinning and other effects.
Now you can get putties, simple dimples, Rubik's cubes, fidget spinners and many many more options as fidget toys, whether you're just looking to pass time or if you want to help focus.
Do fidget toys really work?
The short answer? Yes. Fidget toys do help sensory awareness, tactile awareness, motor skills and help to focus, calm and reduce stress. Fidget toys work for a variety of ages and may benefit adults who get distracted easily, too.
The reason why these fidget toys work is that they allow fidgeting without making it a distraction. Fidget spinners, for example, are simple but effective because the consistent spinning allows fingers to touch and play but aren't too complex that it takes the focus from work or any projects.
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Some fidget toys are noisier or more complex than others, so these may not be so great if you want to use them as a distraction killer. These, however, can still be fun and work as toys that help a variety of skills.
Check out our full review of the best fidget toys you can get your hands on below.
The best fidget toys UK 2021
Best fidget toy set
The Workswww.ebay.co.uk
Fidget rating: 5/5 We have to kick off our favourites list with this complete 'fun box' from The Works. If you've seen all the videos and want to get your hands on everything, this has all the new fidget toys you could want.
Best pop-it fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 3.5/5 Pop-its have been taking the internet by storm and you've probably seen them across Instagram and Tik-Tok. These super-simple toys work by making large popping sounds and can come in a range of bright, vivid colours. Lots of points for satisfaction but may not be the best for schools or offices.
Best fidget spinner toy
AmazonFidget rating: 4/5 We can't have a fidget toy list without mentioning the ultimate classic: the fidget spinner. These come in all sorts of styles and colours now, but if you want to keep it simple, these are incredibly addictive and easy to use.
Best simple dimple fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 3/5 If you haven't already heard the Simple Dimple song, don't do it to yourself. It's incredibly catchy. These fidget toys are similar to our pop-its but are softer and we love this pack that comes with keychains, easy to attach to any bag.
Best magnetic ring fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 4/5 These ring spinners are similar to the older fidget spinners but come with extra fidgeting. They're magnetic so you can pull and attach them to each other through your fingers. Perfect for anyone who needs to keep their hands occupied.
Best traditional fidget toy
Fidget rating: 3/5 Perhaps seen as the original fidget toy, we've all played with a Rubik's Cube at some point in our lifetime. These take a little bit more concentration to complete, so maybe not the best for office or school work but it definitely deserves a spot on our list.
Best pop tube fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 4/5 You can make up to 10m of tubes with this one toy through building, stretching and manipulating the tubes. Easy to pop-on and pop-off and will keep you occupied for hours.
Best tangle fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 3/5 Tangle toys come in all shapes and this Tobar tangle comes in assorted colours. Just twist around and make different shapes for full fidgeting satisfaction. Simple but effective.
Best fidget ball
AmazonFidget rating: 4/5 With over 2,000 Amazon ratings, you can be sure to enjoy this fidget ball toy. All you do is pop the balls in and out until they're in their place of colour - just pop out and start again when you're done!
Best fidget stress ball toy
AmazonFidget rating: 3/5 Stress balls are a simple solution for fidget toys and we've all seen them before. This one is rainbow coloured but you can also get glow in the dark versions or ones with balls inside the stretchy ball!
Best infinity cube fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 3/5 You'll be fidgeting with this infinity cube endlessly! Just turn the small cubes in and out for neverending fidget power. They're loud, colourful and easy to play with. Also come in loads of fun colours.
Best magic snake fidget toy
AmazonFidget rating: 3.5/5 With this giant magic snake, you can make loads of different shapes - almost like origami with blocks. Keep occupied by twisting and turning the blocks.
Best fidget toy plushie
AmazonFidget rating: 2.5/5 You may have seen these octopuses around quite recently, and we will be counting them as one of our fave fidget toys. They come in loads of colours, are super cute, comfy and also work for fidgeting by turning them inside out for reversible fun.
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Caitlin Casey is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, Yours.co.uk and Mother&Baby.
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